A 15-minute drive from Gangnam in the eastern neighbourhood of Gangdong, Lightroom Seoul opened its doors in late 2023. Until 30 September, The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks exhibition allows visitors to walk among the craters and dunes of the moon as the lunar landscape is projected onto 1400 square metres of wall space, surfaces and floor.

Step aside K-beauty – the latest trend taking over social media also has its roots in South Korea. Personalised colour analyses give dressing to impress a bespoke twist: over the course of your session, a consultant will hold up swathes of different coloured fabrics against your skin to help determine which shades suit you best and which to avoid. Afterwards, they’ll give you a succinct list of shade recommendations – including cosmetics – that will highlight your features best. Tip: there are often months-long waiting lists for these services, so book into somewhere like Color Society, in buzzy Hongdae, well ahead of your trip.

Perched on the Han River 60 kilometres inland from the Yellow Sea, Seoul has arguably one of the coolest surfing hot spots in the world. Hit the water in industrial Siheung at Wavegarden – Asia's largest indoor surf park about 30 minutes from Incheon Airport. Spanning 167,000 square metres, the lagoon offers almost 1000 waves an hour across a range of different zones suitable for both beginners and pros.

Seoul is surrounded by a dramatic ring of mountains and hiking to the misty peaks of Bukhansan, Inwangsan and Bugaksan is an exciting way to view the city. Now, even this grand tradition has gotten a facelift. Recently refreshed, the sleek Seoul Hiking Tourism Center in Gangbuk is the gateway to Bukhansan’s summit – it's a one-stop shop for all your climbing needs, offering multilingual area guides, hiking gear hire, lockers, showers and change rooms for guests. 

South Korea is decorated with enclaves of traditional buildings that stand proudly alongside the glittering skyscrapers of modernity, but much of it was affected by the Korean War. To celebrate and preserve its architectural heritage, the city of Seoul has built a series of hanok-style villages, with the intention of building many more to come. Donuimun Museum Village near the Seoul Museum of History, is where you’ll be able to join a traditional danoseon fan-making class and nibble on local treats from food trucks.

As home to some of the best bars in Asia, Seoul has plenty of top-shelf joints to choose from. For whisky enthusiasts, Bar Harding in Yongsan – a short stroll from Sinheung Market – is dominated by a candlelit log-carved table that seats just eight at a time. If you’re lucky, you might have the whole venue to yourself during your visit. In which case, the team will be more than happy to play whatever music you desire as you sip award-winning whisky.

Josun Palace in chic Gangnam has housed well-heeled guests – including Marilyn Monroe and US President Gerald Ford – for well over a century and in 2021, the storied hotel entered a new chapter. The first thing you’ll notice upon entering the regal lobby is the hotel’s signature incense-tinged fragrance which permeates the building. From there, grand sculptures, smatterings of brass and plush velvet chairs define opulence. The property’s 254 rooms and suites take up floors 27 to 35 of the building, each delivering panoramic views over the city. Relax in the heated indoor pool on the 26th level. 

Seoul is a culture magnet, drawing in art lovers from all over the world for events including the annual art fair Frieze Seoul, hosted in Gangnam District’s vast convention centre, COEX, in September. The latest addition to the art scene is the newest outpost of London’s famous White Cube gallery, which will showcase artworks from across the globe, including paintings by Japanese artist Minoru Nomata and Brazilian creative Lygia Pape.

On the 86th floor of Lotte World Tower in Songpa, currently the sixth-tallest building in the world, you’ll find the decadent Retreat SIGNIEL spa. Your journey into bliss begins just past reception in the Oil Atelier where you’ll select an oil to be used throughout your treatments before sipping Korean tea in the lounge overlooking the city. Opt for the three-hour Timeless Away Journey and drift off with a head-to-toe African coffee scrub and baobab oil massage.

If a coffee in a design-led space is your ideal start to the day, beeline to Seodaemun district in the city’s north-western corner near the Independence Gate, where you’ll find Vonzzr. Decked out in red brick, polished concrete and warm timber, the cosy cafe dishes up sweet treats including baci di dama cookies and cinnamon carrot cake alongside French teas and espresso, of course.